Xia Hou Ying was silent for a long time before slowly saying, "Xiao Man is arrogant and exceedingly proud, with a cruel and ruthless disposition. If possible, do not engage with her."
"I recall you did not say this to His Majesty."
"You said she merely possessed a bit of cunning."
"Qu Yang, sometimes, it is precisely that 'bit of cunning' that will cost you your life," Xia Hou Ying said sternly. "Do not underestimate her, or you will not even know how you died."
Qu Yang smiled and nodded, "I have remembered. I will be very careful on my journey to Yusheng."
"Perhaps I should go instead," Xia Hou Ying said, his heart filled with unease. If he went, there might still be a chance of survival.
"Your face is too recognizable. Countless people in Dijin know you. I rarely show my face, so I am unknown. Not many people recognize me."
Xia Hou Ying thought to himself, others might not recognize you, but as long as you appear before Xiao Man, she will surely kill you!
"Once you are there, it is best not to show your face," Xia Hou Ying advised. "And do not interact with anyone from the Protector-General's Mansion. The Protector-General's Mansion has enjoyed unwavering favor for a reason; they are certainly not simple."
"That may not be possible, as His Majesty has tasked me with investigating the two young ladies of the Protector-General's Mansion."
"You can have people investigate; do not appear in person," Xia Hou Ying urged with worry. "After all, that is their territory. If anything happens, you will have nowhere to turn. It is always better to be cautious."
"Rest assured, I am always careful in my dealings. I came today not only to bid you farewell but also to ask if you know the Imperial Preceptor of Yusheng."
"The Imperial Preceptor of Yusheng?" Xia Hou Ying shook his head. "No, I do not. Why?"
"This person is Xiao Man's master, and his whereabouts are erratic. He is very powerful, so I wanted to ask if you knew anything about him." Qu Yang observed Xia Hou Ying closely. His bewilderment seemed genuine, suggesting he truly knew nothing about the Imperial Preceptor of Yusheng. As for why he cared so much about Xiao Man, that was something Qu Yang would have to investigate further.
"I do not know."
"If you do not know, then so be it." Qu Yang stood up, preparing to leave. As he turned, he added, "Oh, by the way, I am going to select a candidate for the Empress for His Majesty. If nothing unexpected occurs, it should be between the two women I mentioned."
Xia Hou Ying abruptly stood up, then quickly tried to compose himself, masking his reaction. "His Majesty wishes for a marriage alliance?"
"Yes, a marriage with the position of Empress. The other party's status naturally cannot be low. Regardless of whom is chosen, the Emperor of Yusheng should bestow a title upon her, at the very least a county princess title."
"I understand. Be careful with everything."
When Qu Yang departed from Shengjing, Xia Hou Ying secretly went to see him off. Watching Qu Yang and his entourage disappear into the distance, a sense of unease gnawed at him.
"May you return safely."
"Little General, will Lord Qu be in danger?" a随行小厮 asked cautiously.
"Nine deaths, one life," Xia Hou Ying replied. A shadow of sorrow crossed his mind. He could not persuade anyone, nor could he make that person abandon everything. Even he could not let go of such deep-seated hatred. He just didn't understand why His Majesty, having gone this far, still pursued vengeance relentlessly. Did His Majesty not fear retribution?
Or perhaps, when he committed such evil deeds, he had long since ceased to consider retribution? Xia Hou Ying sighed and turned back. He was certain that His Majesty had recognized her. It was natural, he thought, if even he could recognize her, then how much more so His Majesty, who had spent so many years by her side.
"This world is likely to be plunged into turmoil."
"We have already signed a truce with Yusheng. If His Majesty then takes a princess from Yusheng as his Empress, the two nations will be bound by marriage. Even if Lan Yue and Bei Rong join forces, they will not be our match."
Xia Hou Ying glanced at the attendant beside him, a bitter smile playing on his lips. The true danger was not Yusheng, nor Lan Yue and Bei Rong, but the person hiding in the shadows!
Empress Dowager, what do you truly wish to accomplish? Do you seek to overthrow this Yunqi world, or to have His Majesty pay for his bloodshed with blood?
In the Imperial Capital of Yusheng, Xiao Man looked at the repeatedly sent invitation, a smile appearing on her face. "You are quite persistent. Very well, given your current predicament, you are bound by circumstances."
"Miss, what exactly does Shan Yu Yan intend to do?"
"We will find out when we meet her."
"Miss intends to meet her?"
"It's time to meet. If I continue to hide, people outside will suspect I am gravely ill," Xiao Man said slowly. "Send a reply, inviting her to the mansion in three days. Also, send an invitation to Xiang Huan'er of the Duke of Lu's mansion, and to Sister Bai. As for the palace... I will not send an invitation to the palace itself, but a card to the Ninth Princess's mansion, inviting them to the General's mansion tomorrow to admire the plum blossoms."
Qiu Tong looked outside. A plum tree in Shui Yue Xiao Zhu had begun to blossom, its first few flowers opening today. With so few blossoms, inviting guests to admire them seemed rather meager.
"Miss, only a few plum blossoms have opened."
"There should be many more by the third day," Xiao Man said calmly. "Besides, admiring the plum blossoms is secondary; the main point is to let outsiders know that my health has significantly improved."
"Then should we invite more people?"
Xiao Man glanced at the invitations on the table, pondered for a moment, and said, "No, the primary goal is to meet her. The others are merely companions."
"Yes, Miss."
Qiu Tong dispatched people to deliver the invitations. Xiao Man, meanwhile, reviewed the menu for the next day, carefully selecting dishes and ordering the preparation of fruit wine, lest the young ladies become inebriated and cause trouble.
"Miss, is there anything else that needs attention?"
Xiao Man rested her chin on her hand, gazing at the few plum blossoms that had opened in the courtyard. They were as white as snow, with a hint of red at their stamen, delicate as a beauty. Though few in number, their bloom held a unique charm.
"Prepare some wontons, I will need them," Xiao Man murmured softly. "So many years have passed, I wonder if she still likes wontons?" Su Dan Novel Network
Yin Zhu meticulously recorded Xiao Man's instructions and went to make the arrangements. Xiao Man pulled her fox fur cloak tighter. The soft, fluffy down feathers were exceptionally comfortable against her skin, accentuating the fair, delicate texture of her face, which seemed as though it could be broken by a single touch.
"Miss." Ying Xue slipped in. Seeing Xiao Man sitting by the window, she quickly stoked the fire higher. "Are you warmer now?"
"In the past, even when it was snowing heavily, I was fearless. Now, at the beginning of winter, I feel cold," Xiao Man mused with a hint of melancholy. Her body had suffered severe damage; it seemed she truly needed to recuperate well.
Ying Xue brought over the prepared medicinal porridge. "That's why Miss needs to take good care of herself. This medicinal porridge was made by Xiang Xue. Eat it while it's hot."
Xiao Man accepted the bowl, inhaling the faint medicinal aroma of the porridge, a smile involuntarily appearing on her face. "Xiang Xue's culinary skills are improving."
"That's thanks to Miss's discerning taste. Otherwise, Xiang Xue's medicinal porridge would still be a deadly poison!"